First Thoughts on the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 choke tube promises tighter patterns and longer ranges for turkey hunters. It’s a specialized piece of equipment designed to maximize the effectiveness of a 12-gauge shotgun when targeting gobblers. The promise of a denser pattern at longer distances is a siren song to any serious turkey hunter, and this choke tube aims to deliver just that.
Having spent over a decade chasing longbeards through thickets and fields, I’m always looking for an edge. Too many hunts have ended with a missed opportunity due to a spread-out pattern at a critical moment. This choke tube seemed like a potential solution to those frustrating close encounters that end just out of range.
Upon receiving the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. It felt solid and well-made, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of the field. The finish was clean and professional, suggesting a focus on quality control.
I’ve previously used choke tubes from Carlson’s and Primos, both reputable brands in the hunting world. However, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 seemed to have a more aggressive porting design. The porting is said to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. I ultimately chose this choke tube hoping for tighter, more consistent patterns with my Remington 870.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if the hype matched the reality, but I also knew that no single piece of equipment could replace proper scouting and hunting skills. The real test would be on the range and, ultimately, in the turkey woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 at my local shooting range. I used a variety of turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR and Federal Premium Grand Slam, at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for pattern testing.
The immediate difference was noticeable compared to the factory full choke. Patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent, particularly at the 30 and 40-yard marks. The porting did seem to mitigate recoil slightly, making follow-up shots quicker and easier. However, the report was definitely louder.
The choke tube was simple to install using the provided wrench. There were no initial issues, and the threads engaged smoothly with my Remington 870 barrel. I was initially impressed by the density of the patterns, but concerned about the impact on sound level while hunting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use at the range and during pre-season scouting, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 continued to perform reliably. It held up well against repeated firing and showed no signs of wear or damage. Cleaning was straightforward, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning tools and solvent.
After a full turkey season, the choke tube still performed as expected. I only had to clean the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 after each range session or hunt. The durable finish resisted rust and corrosion even after exposure to rain and humidity.
Compared to my previous choke tubes, the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 consistently delivered tighter patterns at longer ranges. This gave me more confidence in making ethical shots, ultimately improving my success rate during the season. However, the increase in sound was still noticeable.
Breaking Down the Features of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660
Specifications
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is a specialized choke tube designed specifically for turkey hunting with 12-gauge Remington shotguns. It features a constriction of .660 inches, optimized for tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. This constriction is critical for ensuring a high pellet count within the vital area of a turkey’s head and neck.
The choke tube is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is also ported, meaning it has holes along the side near the muzzle to reduce recoil. The porting helps to vent gases and minimize muzzle jump, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
The choke is specifically designed for Remington 12GA shotguns. It is not universally compatible with all shotguns. The design is also intended to work best with turkey-specific loads.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is to deliver consistently tight and dense patterns at longer distances. In my testing, it achieved this goal effectively, producing patterns that were significantly tighter than those achieved with a standard full choke. This improved accuracy and consistency is essential for ethical and successful turkey hunting.
The biggest strength of this choke tube is its ability to extend the effective range of a 12-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting. It achieves this by creating a tight pattern that minimizes the chance of missed shots. The increase in muzzle report is a weakness, as is its compatibility with only 12-gauge Remington shotguns.
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern density and range. However, the increased noise level was a drawback that I had to consider while hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is excellent. The steel construction and precise machining inspire confidence in its durability. The weight is negligible, and doesn’t noticeably alter the balance of the shotgun.
The design is straightforward and functional. Installation is quick and easy, requiring no specialized tools beyond the provided wrench.
Durability & Maintenance
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is built to last. The steel construction and durable finish should withstand years of use in the field. Maintenance is simple, requiring only routine cleaning with standard shotgun cleaning supplies.
Accessories and Customization Options
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 itself doesn’t offer many customization options. It is a standalone choke tube designed for a specific purpose. There are no included accessories beyond the choke tube itself and a wrench for installation.
The main customization aspect is choosing the right turkey load to pair with the choke tube. Experimentation is recommended to find the load that produces the tightest and most consistent patterns in your specific shotgun. Finding the right load is critical to maximizing the performance of the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660.
Pros and Cons of KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns compared to factory chokes.
- Extended effective range for turkey hunting.
- Durable steel construction.
- Noticeable reduction in recoil due to porting.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Increased muzzle report (louder than standard chokes).
- Only compatible with Remington 12-gauge shotguns.
Who Should Buy KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660?
This choke tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters looking to maximize the effective range of their Remington 12-gauge shotgun. It is ideal for hunters who frequently encounter long-range shots or hunt in areas with dense vegetation. The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is a valuable tool for achieving tighter patterns and increasing the odds of a successful hunt.
This product might not be suitable for hunters who primarily hunt in close-range situations or who are sensitive to loud muzzle reports. Also, those who own shotguns from brands other than Remington should skip this. An electronic hearing protection is a must-have accessory to mitigate the increase in sound.
Conclusion on KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660
The KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 is a highly effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and extended range for turkey hunting. While the increased muzzle report is a drawback, the improved accuracy and consistency are well worth the trade-off for serious hunters. At a price of $43.49, it represents a solid value for the performance it provides.
I would definitely recommend this choke tube to any Remington 12-gauge shotgun owner looking to improve their turkey hunting success. The tighter patterns will give you more confidence in the field and increase your chances of bringing home a gobbler. Don’t just take my word for it – try the KICKS GOBBLIN THUNDER REMINGTON 12GA .660 and experience the difference for yourself!